Systems and methods for rules based, automated lighting control

ABSTRACT

A lighting control system comprising a plurality of intelligent switches designed to replace a conventional light switch, each of the intelligent switches including a receiver configured to receive communication signals that include rules based instructions for controlling one or more lighting circuits; a circuit interrupter configured to control the amount of current flowing to a lighting circuit; a memory configured to store the rules based instructions; and a processor coupled with the receiver, memory, and circuit interrupter, the processor configured to control the operation of the circuit interrupter based on the rules based instructions stored in memory.

RELATED APPLICATIONS INFORMATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/131,536, filed Jun. 10, 2008 andentitled “Wireless Lighting Control System,” which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The embodiments described herein are directed to systems and methods forautomated lighting control, and more particularly to rules based,automated lighting control that uses wireless networks to propagate andimplement rules based control of lighting systems.

2. Related Art

In, e.g., commercial buildings, lights are often left on after hours, orwhen no one is in a particular room. This practice waste electricity andcauses premature bulb burn out, both of which lead to increasedoperating costs, as well as a host of other negative effects. Centralcontrol systems have been proposed an implemented that attempt toautomate lighting control in order to mitigate this problem. Suchsystems often make use of time of day control, motion sensors, or both.

Time of day control can, for example, control the lighting system suchthat lights are scheduled to go off at a certain time in the evening andcome back on at a certain time the next morning. Motion sensors can beconfigured such that they cause the lights in a particular room to gooff when no motion has been detected in the room for a certain period oftime, and to come back on once motion is detected.

Unfortunately, these conventional solutions suffer several problems thatlimit their effectiveness, convenience, or both. For example, time ofday controls do not effectively, or efficiently accommodate the need touse the lights after the programmed shut off time. For example, in alarge office building, employees of a certain tenant company, such as alaw firm, may need to work late into the evening. This requiresarrangements to be made to override the time of day controls, which canbe inconvenient; moreover, if such arrangement are not made ahead oftime, then it can be difficult to get the lights turned back on toaccommodate the late working crew.

Motion sensors will often cause the lights in a room to go off even whenthe room is occupied if the occupant is still for an extended period oftime, for example, typing at their desk. This again can be inconvenient,especially if it occurs repeatedly.

Another problem is that these conventional systems require a costly andtime consuming re-wiring of the electrical system.

Still another problem is that such systems do not address the need tofind and replace burnt out bulbs. In a large complex, their can benumerous undetected, at least by maintenance personal, burnt out lightbulbs. This reduces the overall effectiveness of the lighting system andonce again can be inconvenient.

SUMMARY

A rules based automated lighting control system provides an efficientand effective means for controlling lighting in a building, such as acommercial building, that can reduce electricity consumption, canprovide detection of burnt out light bulbs, load shedding, redundancy,and other advantages, and that does not require a costly re-wiring toinstall.

According to one aspect, a lighting control system comprises a pluralityof intelligent switches designed to replace a conventional light switch,each of the intelligent switches including a receiver configured toreceive communication signals that include rules based instructions forcontrolling one or more lighting circuits; a circuit interrupterconfigured to control the amount of energy flowing to a lightingcircuit; a memory configured to store the rules based instructions; anda processor coupled with the receiver, memory, and circuit interrupter,the processor configured to control the operation of the circuitinterrupter based on the rules based instructions stored in memory.

According to another aspect, A lighting control system, comprises aplurality of intelligent switches each designed to replace aconventional light switch, each of the intelligent switches including areceiver configured to receive communication signals that include rulesbased instructions for controlling one or more lighting circuits, acircuit interrupter configured to control the amount of current flowingto a lighting circuit, a memory configured to store the rules basedinstructions, and a processor coupled with the receiver, memory, andcircuit interrupter, the processor configured to control the operationof the circuit interrupter based on the rules based instructions storedin memory; and a gateway, the gateway including a first transceiverconfigured to communicate with a remote server in order to receive rulesbased instructions for control of a plurality of intelligent switches,and a transmitter configured to transmit the rules based instructions tothe plurality of intelligent switches.

These and other features, aspects, and embodiments are described belowin the section entitled “Detailed Description.”

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features, aspects, and embodiments are described in conjunction with theattached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example lighting control systemconfigured in accordance with one example embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of an intelligentswitch that can be included in the system of FIG. 1 in accordance withone embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating installation of the componentscomprising the switch of FIG. 2 into a standard electrical junction box,such as that used with standard light switch;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example process for updating thefirmware in the switch of FIG. 2 in accordance with one embodiment; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example process for detectingburnt-out lamps in the system of FIG. 1 using the switch of FIG. 2according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The systems and methods described below disclose various embodiment of asystem configured to control the operation of various lighting circuitsthrough rules based instructions. In order to achieve such control in areliable and efficient manner, the rules based instructions aredownloaded to a plurality of intelligent switches coupled with thelighting circuits to be controlled.

The intelligent switches are designed to replace conventional lightswitches or controls. It will be understood that a conventional lightswitch controls one or more lighting circuits. Each lighting circuit caninclude one or more light fixtures, or one or more light bulbs. Lightswitches are obviously manual control devices. In other words, all ofthe light bulbs in a particular lighting circuit are turned on or offvia the associated light switch. Although it will also be understoodthat certain light fixtures can have an independent control, e.g.,on/off switch, such that they can be turned off, even though the lightswitch controlling the associated lighting circuit is on. It will alsobe understood that certain light controls can do more than simply turnthe lighting circuit on or off, for example, a dimmer can set the lightbulbs to an intermediate level.

Thus, an intelligent light switch can control the lighting circuits inthe same manner, e.g., on, off, intermediate setting, but instead ofbeing controlled purely by a manual control, an intelligent light switchcontrols operation of the associated lighting circuits based on a set ofrules based instructions downloaded to the switch.

Downloading the rules based instructions to the intelligent switches canimprove robustness because it allows remote control of the lightingsystem, but limits the amount of data that needs to be transmitted backand forth in order to achieve that control. As explained in more detailbelow, the intelligent switches are essentially nodes on a network. Oneor more of the nodes can be unavailable for communication for a varietyof reasons. Accordingly, if data needs to be continuously communicatedwithin the system, then the system will not work when one or more of thenodes are unavailable. The amount of data that needs to be communicatedcan be kept to a minimum by downloading the rules based instructions.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example lighting control system 100configured in accordance with one example embodiment. As can bee seen,the components of system 100 are spread across the facility 102, inwhich the lighting system being controlled resides, and a hostedfacility 106. As will be explained in more detail below, facility 102and hosted facility 106 can be communicatively coupled via a network ornetworks 104, e.g., including the Internet. A plurality of intelligentswitches 108 can be installed within facility 102. The plurality ofintelligent switches can be communicatively coupled with a gateway 110,which in this example is communicatively coupled with a controlauthority 122 in hosted facility 106 via a local network 112 and network104. Firewalls 114 and 120 can also be included as illustrated.

Authority 122 can be configured to control the configuration for theentire system 100 and can allow a user or administrator to change theoperation of the system. Authority 122 can comprise the hardware andsoftware needed to perform the functions described below. Thus,authority 122 can comprise one or more processors, one or more servers,one or more routers, one or more software API's, one or more databases,one or more user interfaces, one or more software routines, etc.Moreover, these components can be integrated into a single device, ordistributed within or without of facility 106. For example, a serverincluded in authority 122 and located in hosted facility 106 can beinterfaced with a remote database that is also part of authority 122.

In one example implementation, authority 122 can comprise a server thatincludes one or more computing cores; volatile storage, such as RandomAccess Memory (RAM), for storing non-critical data; non-volatile memory,such as a hard disk, for storing system critical data and programming; anetwork interface, such as a Gigabit Ethernet interface, forcommunicating over network 104; an oscillator; and a power supply. Itwill be understood that other components can be included or may benecessary for proper operation. Thus, the above components are intendedto be illustrative and not exhaustive. Such a server can be configuredto run on a Linux operating system and use a piece of software called aServlet Container, such as that offered through the open source ApacheTomcat project.

In certain embodiments, authority 122 can comprise multiple similarlyconfigured servers. In this manner, authority 122 can achieve redundancyand load balancing. For example, when a gateway 110 communicates withone of the servers, the server can direct the gateway to communicatewith a second server that is less busy. Further, authority 122 cancomprise several servers performing various functions. For example, oneserver can be configured to handle all incoming requests from gateways110, while another server is configured to handle all incoming requestsfrom any software/user interfaces, and still another is configured tohandle all database functions; however, in such embodiments, each servercan be configured to perform the functions of the others for redundancy.

As explained in more detail below, authority 122 can be configured toplace intelligent switches 108 on a map of facility 102 and associatethem with a particular room that the switch controls; define which userscan change system settings and operation; update firmware with switches108; configure rules for system operation; view current status for eachroom within facility 104, e.g., whether the lights are on or off, howlong they have been on, and the amount of current flowing through theassociated switch 108; configured alerts, e.g., based on the amount ofcurrent flowing through as switch 108; store baseline load informationfor each switch 108; and communicate load information to a separatesystem.

Firewall 120 can also be included within authority 122. The operation offirewall 120 is well known and will not be described in detail here.

Intelligent switches 108 and gateway 110 reside within facility 102.Gateway 110 can act to bridge the switches 108, which are interfacedusing one network, with another network 112 that can then be interfacedeither directly with authority 122 or interfaced with authority 122through another network, such as network 104. For example, in theembodiment illustrated, Gateway 110 interfaces switches 108 with a wiredLocal Area Network 112. Thus, Gateway 110 can pass data between the,e.g., wireless network that includes switches 108 and a wired network112. In one implementation, gateway 110 can be a ZigBee to Ethernetgateway.

In other embodiments, network 112 can also be a wireless network, suchas a wireless LAN configured to implement the, e.g., IEEE 802.11standard, or a wireless Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) configured toimplement the, e.g., WiMax or IEEE 802.16 standard. In general, network112 can comprise one or more wired or wireless LANs, one or more wiredor wireless MANs, one or more wired or wireless Personal Area Networks(PANs), or some combination thereof.

Gateway 110 can be configured to act as a firewall between the networkthat includes switches 108 and network 112. Where network 104 is alsoincluded, then a second firewall 114 can also be included.

Gateway 110 can be configured to perform several other functions aswell. For example, gateway 110 can be configured to store configurationdata for switches 108 and can also perform network maintenancefunctions. Gateway 110 can also be configured to act as the coordinatorfor the network that includes switches 108.

For example, gateway 110 and switches 108 can form a wireless meshnetwork. Mesh networking is a way to route data, voice and instructionsbetween nodes. It allows for continuous connections and reconfigurationaround broken or blocked paths by “hopping” from node to node until thedestination is reached. A mesh network whose nodes are all connected toeach other is a fully connected network. Mesh networks differ from othernetworks in that the component parts can all connect to each other viamultiple hops, and they generally are not mobile. Mesh networks areself-healing: the network can still operate even when a node breaks downor a connection goes bad. As a result, mesh networks are very reliable.

Wireless mesh networks is a common application of mesh architectures.Thus, switches 108 and gateway 110 can be communicatively coupled viawireless communication links 116. If one of the nodes, i.e., switches,goes off line, then links 116 can be rearranged such that the otherswitches 108 can still communicate with gateway 110 by avoiding thedowned node. This is an important feature than can increase thereliability and performance of system 100.

As mentioned above, another way to increase reliability and performanceis to limit the amount of data that needs to be communicated.Accordingly, these two approaches, i.e., limited data transfer and meshnetworking, can significantly improve the performance and reliability ofsystem 100.

In one implementation, the Zigbee protocol is used to implement thewireless mesh network within facility 102. Further, in certainimplementations, gateway 110 can be included in one of switches 108, oreven distributed across several switches 108; although this increasesthe complexity.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of an intelligentswitch 108 in accordance with one embodiment. As can be seen, in theexample of FIG. 2, an intelligent switch 108 can comprise a processor202, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a micro-processor, adigital signal processor, or other processor, or some combinationthereof. Processor 202 can be coupled with wireless transceiver 204,which in turn can be coupled with an antenna 206. Intelligent switch 108can also comprise manual inputs 208, visual indicator 210, and speaker212, each interfaced with processor 202. Intelligent switch 108 can alsocomprise non-volatile memory 214 and volatile memory 216, oscillator218, expansion port 220, programming and debugging port 226, real timeclock 228, IM modem 230, and movement sensor 232. Intelligent switch 108can also include a circuit interrupter 122 and a current sensor 224interfaced with a lighting circuit (not shown).

While not shown, intelligent switch 108 can also comprise a powersupply. Such a power supply can be configured to confer line AC power toa lower voltage in order to power the circuits and componentsillustrated in FIG. 2. For example, the power supply can comprise aregulator such as a switching buck regulator, which is a type of powersupply that is well known and therefore will not be explained in detailhere.

The power supply can be configured to output multiple voltages for useby the circuits and components included in intelligent switch 108. Forexample, such a power supply can be configured to generate +3.3V outputas well as a +12 V output. The +3.3V output can be used to power thedigital circuits and logic included in intelligent switch 108, while the+12V output can be used for relay and current sensors 212 and 224. Sucha power supply can be configured to transform voltages over a range suchas 100V AC to 277V AC.

As mentioned, processor 202 can comprise one or more CPUs, one or moremicro-processors, one or more digital signal processors, as well asother processors such as math co-processors, etc. It will be understoodthat these different processing cores can be packaged as a singlecircuit or can be included as multiple circuits depending on theimplementation. Processor 202 can be configured to control the operationof intelligent switch 108 based on instructions stored in memory. Asexplained below, processor 202 can also be configured to control theoperation of intelligent switch 108 based on manual inputs andinformation from current sensor 224, real time clock 228, and movementsensor 232. The instruction stored in memory can include rules basedinstructions that dictate how processor 202 controls a lighting circuit(not shown) interfaced with processor 202 through relay 222. Suchinstructions can be downloaded through transceiver 204 and stored, e.g.,in a non-volatile memory 214. As such, the rules based instructions canbe periodically updated and changed as will be explained in more detailbelow. Processor 202 can also be configured to send data to gateway 110and ultimately, to authority 122 via transceiver 204. For example,processor 202 can be configured to send current load information asdetermined using current sensor 224 to authority 122.

In one example implementation, processor 202 is a Texas Instruments MSP430 micro-controller. Such a micro-controller can be pre-programmed witha unique identifier (ID). This unique ID can be used to identify theparticular intelligent switch 108 when there are multiple switches 108communicating over the mesh network within facility 102. No two switches108 should be programmed with the same ID. An example ID is that MediaAccess Controller (MAC) address as defined by the IEEE standard802.15.4.

Transceiver 204 can, as described above, transmit and receive data viathe wireless mesh network included in facility 102. Transceiver 204 canbe configured to receive information from other switches 108, gateway110, or both. In certain embodiments, transceiver 204 may in fact onlybe a receiver configured to receive, e.g., rules based instructions thatdefine the operation of intelligent switch 108. In one implementation,transceiver 204 is the XBee® ZNet 2.5 OEM RF module from DigiInternational. In other implementations, transceiver 204 can beintegrated with processor 202.

Intelligent switch 108 can also comprise a user interface 209. In oneembodiment, user interface 209 can include manual inputs 208, visualindicator 210, and speaker 212. Manual inputs 208 can be used to controlthe operation of intelligent switch 108. Thus, the manual inputs 208 canbe used to override the rules based instruction stored in memory, or towork in conjunction with the rules based instructions. Manual inputs 208can comprise push buttons, switches, or sliding control mechanisms.Based on the configuration of switch 108, changing the state of themanual inputs can change the behavior of switch 108, i.e., how switch108 controls the lighting circuit or circuits interface with intelligentswitch 108, or can cause certain data to be sent to authority 122. Forexample, push buttons can be included in user interface 209 where eachpush button represents a lighting preset. Thus, when one of the pushbuttons is activated, the state of one or more circuit interrupters 222will change according to the preset associated with that push button.Similarly, sliders or switches can also be associated with certainpresets. For example, one preset may be to turn all lights on thelighting circuit off, to turn some lights on the lighting circuit on andsome off, or to transition at least some lights on the lighting circuitto a level that is in between on and off, i.e., dim the lights.

User interface 209 can also include a visual indicator 210. Visualindicator 210 can be configured to communicate the current state ofprogramming to a user. For example, multiple LEDs can be included inorder to indicate various states of switch 108. The LEDs can be ofdifferent colors and can be used to indicate both normal conditions andfalse conditions. For example, the LEDs may indicate the presence of ACpower, the presence of the converted power levels, e.g., +12V and +3.3V;circuit interrupter status; strength of signal received on transceiver204 status; wireless mesh network activity; and errors. In otherimplementations, visual indicator 210 can comprise of display such as aLCD display.

User interface 209 can also include a speaker 212, which can be used toalert a user audibly when the state of operation is changing.

Intelligent switch 108 can also comprise memory 213. Memory 213 cancomprise one or more memory components such as non-volatile memory 214and volatile memory 216. A non-volatile memory 214 retains its contentsregardless of whether or not it is powered up. This is useful forstoring settings and programs that must be retained when the device iswithout power. Thus, non-volatile memory 214 can be used to storeconfiguration parameters and programs for use by processor 202. Thesecan include the rules based instructions created in authority 122 anddownloaded to intelligent switch 108 via gateway 110. Non-volatilememory can comprise flash memory, Electrically Erasable ProgrammableRead Only Memory (EEPROM) or hard disk. Non-volatile memory 214 can beexternal to processor 202, internal, or both. For example, in oneimplementation part of non-volatile memory 214 is integrated withprocessor 202 and part of non-volatile memory 214 is external toprocessor 202, such as in an external integrated circuit interfaced withprocessor 202.

Memory 213 can also comprise volatile memory 216, which can beconfigured to only retain its contents while powered up. Volatile memory216 is often used for temporary storage of items such as configurationparameters that will not harm the system if lost. Volatile memory 216can comprise random access memory such as Dynamic Random Access Memory(DRAM) or Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), or DDR RAM. Volatilememory 216 can also be external to processor 202, internal, or both. Forexample, in one implementation volatile memory 216 is integrated withprocessor 202.

It will be understood that the components that comprise memory 213 canbe integrated as one component or can be included as multiplecomponents, such as multiple integrated circuits, one or more integratedcircuits and a hard drive, etc.

Intelligent switch 108 can also comprise several ports, such asexpansion port 220 and programming and debugging port 226. With respectto expansion port 220, it is often the case that multiple light switchesare used to control lights within a room or small areas. The switchesare often located in close proximity. Each one of these light switchesis then used to control separate lighting circuits. It can be preferableto replace these light switches with a single intelligent switch 108 forseveral reasons, such as lower costs and less radio frequencyinterference. Accordingly, switch 108 can have one or more expansionports that can be configured to allow a single switch to controlmultiple lighting circuits. In certain embodiments, additional expanders(not shown) can be interfaced with intelligent switch 108 throughexpansion port 220. An expander (not shown) can be a scaled-down versionof an intelligent switch 108. Such an expander, e.g., may not have aprocessor 202, memory 213, or transceiver 204. But, such an expander canhave its own user interface 209; relay 222, by which it can control anassociated lighting circuit; and current sensor 224.

The connection between switch 108 and such an expander can either be asimple connection, whereby individual signals control individual aspectsor functions in the expander, or it can use serial communication toallow greater flexibility. The expander can be powered by differentpower supply from that being used by the associated switch 108, andthus, it will be desirable to isolate the two devices electricalsystems, e.g., using opto-isolators. Thus, for example, the interfacebetween switch 108 and such an expander can be an optically isolatedserial communication interface.

Some operations, like changing the state of a circuit interrupter 222,can require significant current. Accordingly, if both switch 108 and anassociated expander are performing such an operation simultaneously, thecurrent consumption can be greater than that capable of being providedby an associated power supply. To prevent this, switch 108 can beconfigured to control when each expander interface thereto perform sucha function, e.g., switch 108 can be configured to wait a certain periodbefore commanding such expanders to perform such an operation.

As with each switch 108, it can be preferable that each expander beprogrammed with a unique identifier, at least relative to otherexpanders interfaced with the same switch 108, so that the associatedswitch 108 can differentiate messages from each associated expander. Inother embodiments, the expanders can include a transceiver and thuswould need their own identifier.

Programming/debugging port 226 can be used to change the programming forprocessor 202. In certain embodiments, the programming can be changedremotely by authority 122; however, it can also be preferable to allowthe programming to be updated locally at switch 108. Thus,programming/debugging port 226 can be included to allow a user toconnect directly to switch 108. Updated programming, or firmware, canthen be uploaded through port 226 and stored in memory 213.Programming/debugging port 226 can also be used for testing theoperation of switch 108. For example, the levels of the digital signalsfrom processor 202 can be converted to, e.g., RS-232 levels that can besent to an external computer for debugging. In certain embodiments,programming/debugging port 226 can also be an optically isolatedcommunication port.

In certain embodiments, it can be preferable to be able to communicatelocally with switch 108 without the need to connect any wires, e.g., aswith programming/debugging port 226. Accordingly, IR modem control port230 can be included. This port can allow communication with intelligentswitch 108 via infrared communication signal. For example, IR modemcontrol port 230 can comprise an IRDA compliant transceiver, which iswell known. IR modem control port 230 can then be controlled, e.g.,using an Ir remote control, which can be configured to send signals tocontrol the operation of intelligent switch 108. As explained below,facility 102 can include other devices, such as video projectors,configured for rules based control in addition to intelligent switch108. Infrared control such as that provided by IR modem control port 230can be particularly advantageous for such devices.

Real time clock 228 can be configured to keep track of the time of day.It can also be configured to keep track of the day of the week anddates. As will be explained below, the rules based instructionsdownloaded to each intelligent switch 108 will often includeinstructions related to the time of day. Thus, it is preferable thateach switch 108 be able to determine the time of day independent of therest of the system 100. This minimizes the amount of data that must betransmitted through system 100 and increases reliability and operationalefficiency. Thus, real time clock 228 can be included in each switch 108in order to provide the time of day information used in conjunction withthe rules based instruction downloaded from authority 122 and stored inmemory 213.

It can be preferable for an intelligent switch 108 to detect whensomeone enters the room or enclosure associated with the switch 108.Thus, movement sensor 232 can be incorporated into intelligent switch108. Such a movement sensor 232 can be configured to detect the presenceof someone within the associated room or enclosure. As such, movementsensor 232 can comprise an infrared emission sensor or an ultrasonicmeasurement sensor. As explained below, the operation of switch 108 canchange depending on whether movement is detected. For example, if switch108 is configured to turn off all lights at 11:00 p.m. via the rulesbased instruction stored in memory 213, such an instruction may bedependent on no movement being detected within the associated room for acertain period of time.

Circuit interrupter 222 and current sensor 224 are interfaced withprocessor 202 on one side and with an associated lighting circuit, orcircuits (not shown) on the other. Circuit interrupter 222 can beconfigured to change the amount of current flowing through switch 108 tothe lighting circuit based on the rules based instruction stored inmemory 213. Depending on the embodiment, circuit interrupter 222 can beconfigured to act as a relay, e.g., with on and off control, or as adimmer. In certain embodiments, circuit interrupter 222 will not beincluded in switch 108.

Current sensor 224 can be configured to measure the amount of currentflowing through switch 108 to the associated lighting circuit. Thisinformation can, e.g., be used to determine if circuit interrupter 222is functioning correctly or whether any of the lights on the associatedlighting circuit have burnt out. This can be determined, e.g., bymeasuring changes in the amount of current flowing through switch 108.In certain embodiments, current sensor 224 can comprise a currenttransformer, but any sensor capable of measuring the current flowing tothe associated lighting circuit and of being incorporated into switch108 can be used.

In certain embodiments, other sensors such as temperature sensors orlight sensors can also be included within switch 108. Such sensors canbe used in order to determine the state of the room or enclosure withwhich switch 108 is associated. This information can then be used inconjunction, or to override the rules based instruction stored in memory213. Further, a temperature sensor can be used to calibrate theperformance of various circuits within switch 108. For example, currentsensor 224 can be temperature sensitive. Thus, a temperature measurementobtained via a temperature sensor can be used to calibrate measurementsobtained with current sensor 224 over a temperature.

It should be noted that separating processor 202 from transceiver 204can reduce the likelihood that switch 108 will completely fail tooperate due to some kind of failure; however, problems still will occurif both processor 202 and transceiver 204 are operating off the samepower supply (not shown) and the power supply fails. For example, thiscan occur if there is a surge or brown out on the power line. In suchsituations, it can be preferable for switch 108 to be able to recover atleast some operational functionality. To prevent such an occurrence fromrendering switch 108 completely inoperable, switch 108 can haveredundant power supplies, if one fails then the other takes over.Further, in certain embodiments separate power supplies can be used fortransceiver 204 and processor 202.

Installation of switch 108 will be described before describing theoperation of switch 108. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating installationof the components comprising switch 108 into a standard electricaljunction box, such as that used with standard light switch. As can beseen in FIG. 3, junction box 304 is mounted in a wall 302. A printedcircuit board 318, comprising the circuits and components illustrated inFIG. 2, power supply 316, and circuit interrupter 314 are then installedwithin back cover 306. Front cover 308 then goes over back cover 306 andis attached to wall 302 via screws 310. A radio circuit board 320 withmanual inputs 326 and 328 as well as radio module 322 and antenna 324can then be mounted on the front of front cover 308 and enclosed bybezel 312.

The front cover, bezel, and back cover can be constructed ofnon-conductive materials for electrical safety, although part of theenclosure formed by these parts can be partially conductive to preventelectro-magnetic interference from radiating outward. The electricalconnection to switch 108 can either be in the form of a terminal stripon the rear of the switch, or just loose wire protruding from the rearof the switch. In fact, in many embodiments the electrical connectionsare made by loose wires from the rear of the switch.

It will be understood that the construction and installation illustratedin FIG. 3 is by way of example only and that the example of FIG. 3 isnot intended to limit the construction and installation in any way.

As noted above, the operation of switch 108 can be controlled accordingto a set of rules based instructions configured in authority 122 anddownloaded to switch 108. The rules based instructions can changeoperations of switch 108 based on external inputs, e.g., received viauser interface 209, or internal inputs, e.g., the time of day. Forredundancy, it can be preferable to store the rules based instructionsin switching units 108.

The rules based instructions can cause processor 202 to take one or moreof the following actions: turn off local lighting circuits interfacedwith switch 108, remote lighting circuits interfaced with any expandersinterfaced with switch 108, or both; reduce the amount of power to alocal or remote circuit, i.e., dim lights the local remote circuit; senddata to authority 122; sound a buzzer; illuminate visual indicators; andsend the signal to an external system, such as a ventilation system. Itwill be understood that the foregoing list is by way of example and isnot intended to be exhaustive. Processor 202 can be instructed to takethese actions in response to one or more of the following: the time ofday, day of the week, or date; inputs from a manual input 208;instructions from authority 122; inputs from motion sensor 232; inputsfrom a hard wired AC switch; or room conditions such as temperature orlight levels as detected or sensed by various sensor; or somecombination thereof.

Thus, for example, the rules based instructions can cause processor 202to turn off all or some associated lighting circuits at 11:00 p.m. eachday: to beep for 30 seconds and if no manual input is activated, thenturn off at least some of the associated lighting circuits at 10:00p.m.; turn on one local circuit when a manual input is activated andturn on multiple local lighting circuits when a second manual input isactivated; turn on one or more remote circuits when still another manualinput is activated; turn off all circuits if no motion is detected for20 minutes; and one hour after all lighting circuits are activated, beepfor one minute and then turn off all lighting circuits. As can be seen,this set of sample instructions combines both external and internalinputs. Moreover, in certain instances external inputs can overrideprogramming based on the time of day or based on a certain time period.

As will be discussed in more detail below, a user or systemadministrator can define the rules of facility 102 through an accessauthority 122, or a server included therein. These rules can apply tothe whole building, can apply on a floor-by-floor basis, can apply on aroom-by-room basis, or even on a circuit-by-circuit basis, or somecombination thereof. As a result, very granular lighting control can beimplemented, which can reduce costs and increase comfort. Moreover,because the rules based instructions are downloaded to each switch 108,the system is reliable and can continue to operate even in the face ofnetwork or communication failures within system 100.

Moreover, the rules based instructions can even include instructions ona lamp-by-lamp basis. For example, it is common for commercialfacilities to have a combination of both fluorescent lighting for normaluse as well as incandescent lighting for specialty use. For example, aclassroom will often have fluorescent lighting as well as a fewincandescent spot lights when the lighting in the room is dimmed. Often,the specialty lights are left on unnecessarily when the full lights areon, wasting energy and reducing lamp life. Thus, in certain embodimentsthe rules based instructions can have rules such as when all fluorescentlights are on, turn off any incandescent lights. This, of course,requires that some knowledge of which lights are attached to whichlighting circuits and switches 108 be available when the rules arecreated. In certain implementations, the user administrator can definewhat types of lights are attached to each circuit, switch 108, or both.In other implementations, switch 108 can actually detect what type oflamps are attached based on a combination of frequency, voltage,current, or time.

Several processors can be used to ensure that each switch 108 has theproper firmware, rules based instructions, or both. For example, inevery system that uses firmware it can be preferable to be able tochange the firmware remotely. One way to do is to transmit the newfirmware over, e.g., the wireless interface to each switch 108. In asystem such as system 100, this can be difficult because the wirelessnetwork can change or be interfered with, which will interrupt thetransmission of the new firmware, which can lead to problems when theold firmware is written over with the new firmware. Accordingly, it ispreferable for overwriting of firmware remotely to occur in a safemanner that is tolerant to the wireless network being interrupted.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example process for updating thefirmware for switches 108 in accordance with one embodiment. First, instep 402, an intelligent switch 108 determines that it needs to updateits firmware. This can be prompted either by an internal state or basedon an external instruction, e.g., a message received from authority 122.In step 404, intelligent switch 108 can send a message to authority 122indicating that it is ready for a firmware update. In step 406,authority 122 can be configured to compute a data integrity calculationon the firmware image. This data integrity calculation can be, e.g., achecksum or a hash. In one embodiment, for example, the data integritycalculation can be a hash that is computed according to the SHA-1standard of the Internet RFC 3174. As explained below, the dataintegrity calculation can then be used to ensure that updated firmwareis received properly by switch 108.

In step 408, authority 122 can transmit the new firmware image to switch108 as well as the result of the data integrity calculation, e.g., thehash. In step 410, switch 108 receives the firmware image and computesthe data integrity calculation. In step 412, switch 108 compares thevalue calculated with that received from authority 122. In step 414, ifthe values match, then the firmware can be written, e.g., tonon-volatile memory 214 and switch 108 can re-boot itself. When thedevice re-boots, it can be configured to copy the new firmware imagefrom non-volatile memory 214 in step 416.

While every endeavor can be made to ensure that the firmware on eachswitch 108 is reliable, inevitably there are bugs in the firmware thatmay cause switch 108 to become inoperable. Typically, these bugs occurmore often in sub-systems of higher complexities than simplersub-systems. For example, a bug in transceiver 204 can cause switch 108to become inoperable. Thus, it can be preferable that switch 108continue to function as a normal switch even if transceiver 204 fails tooperate. Accordingly, switch 108 can comprise two separate processors:one that controls the basic switch functionality, and one that controlstransceiver 204. In such an embodiment, when transceiver 204 receives,e.g., the command to turn off the lights, it sends its signal toprocessor 202 and processor 202 changes the state of circuit interrupter222 to reduce the flow of current to the associated lighting circuit. Iftransceiver 204 becomes inoperable, then processor 202 continues tofunction and ignores transceiver 204; however, such a solution can alsocreate issues. For example, if transceiver 204 malfunctions, it may senda command to turn off the lights without having actually received thecommand to do so. To avoid this problem, processor 202 can require aspecial sequence of commands and timing for instructions it receivesfrom transceiver 204 before it will instruct circuit interrupter 222 toturn off or modify the lighting conditions. For example, processor 202may require transceiver 204 to perform a sequence such as the following:

-   -   Assert signal A for 20 milliseconds and then de-assert it for 20        milliseconds;    -   Transmit the characters “LIGHTS ON”;    -   Wait 20 milliseconds;    -   Assert signal B for 10 milliseconds;    -   Transmit the characters “CONFIRM”;    -   Wait 10 milliseconds; and    -   De-assert signal B for 10 milliseconds.

By implementing a command sequence such as the above, processor 202 canbe certain that it is receiving a valid command signal from transceiver204.

Further, processor 202 can require that transceiver 204 send redundantcommands with a certain wait period in between. For example, the waitperiod can be one second. Thus, if processor 202 receives two switchstate change commands from transceiver 204 in less than one second, thenprocessor 202 will know that transceiver 204 is malfunctioning. Ifprocessor 202 determines that transceiver 204 is malfunctioning, it canbe configured to take one or more of the following actions: resettransceiver 204, load new firmware into transceiver 204, change thestate of a visual indicator, or ignore signals from transceiver 204.

After performing one or more of the afore-mentioned actions, processor202 can be configured to control transceiver 204 to send an error reportmessage to authority 122. Processor 202 can also be configured to ignoretransceiver 204 if the incoming data fails to meet a data securitycheck. For example, if the data cannot be decrypted or if the data failsa checksum, then processor 202 can be configured to ignore data receivedfrom transceiver 204. In one implementation, if data received fromtransceiver 204 fails the encryption checksum, then processor 202 can beconfigured to ignore transceiver 204 until switch 108 is reset.

Because system 100 uses wireless links 116, it is important to preventunauthorized access to the data. Accordingly, data being transmittedbetween switches 108 and gateway 110 should be encrypted. While thereare many encryption schemes that are well known, such as Public KeyEncryption (PKI), Secured Sockets Layer (SSL), and Secure Shell (SSH).These methods all require significant computational overhead. Anotherway to establish encryption without requiring significant computation isto set each device to a different channel; however, this is not idealbecause of the finite number of channels typically available in a system100. Thus, a hacker could simply iterate through each channel to findthe channel that the system is operating on. Another method forproviding encryption is to manually load a key into each device duringsystem installation; however, this can be time consuming and is oftenprone to error.

Accordingly, while any of the above approaches can be used inconjunction with system 100, in certain embodiments a unique serialnumber and an encryption key, or device key are used for encryption. Thedevice key can be loaded into each switch 108 as part of themanufacturing process and can also be stored within authority 122, oranother server. Then during system installation, a switch 108 willrequest that it be able to join the network. The request can contain theswitch's serial number as well as a randomly-generated number and a hashof the serial number, randomly generated number, device key, and a knowntext string.

As will be understood, a hash is an algorithm that generates a digitalfingerprint of the information used to form the hash in such a way thatit is not computationally feasible to deduce the contents of theinformation based on the hash value. There are many well-known hashfunctions that can be used in conjunction with the systems and methodsdescribed herein, including the MD5 and SHA-1 functions.

Accordingly, in such embodiments, when other devices receive informationfrom switch 108, they will compute the value of the hash using thedevice key stored during manufacturing. If they match, then the switch108 is allowed to join the network and the server uses the device key toencrypt the session key and transmit it to the device. This can be doneover an insecure network because the hacker does not know the device keyand he will not, therefore, be able to access the session key. Thesession key is then used by the different devices to communicate betweeneach other. In one embodiment, switches 108 can be pre-loaded with theplurality of device keys that if one is compromised, then another can beused.

The process for configuring rules based instructions for a facility 102will now be described. Authority 122 can include a server that users andadministrators can sign on to create, set up, and administer a site.First, however, maps of the site or facility must be obtained.Preferably, these maps will include detail at the room-level.Intelligent switches 108 and gateway 110 can then be installed withinthe site and their location noted on the maps. The maps can be scanned,or otherwise turned into an image or information and then uploaded intoauthority 122 such that the maps can be displayed via a server. Thelocation of the various switches and gateways can then be uploaded ontothe maps as well. For example, in one implementation a server withinauthority 122 can be accessed in order to access the uploaded maps.Representations of each switch 108 can then be drag and drop onto themap and information such as room number; room type; e.g., classroom,hallway, office, etc.; panel supplying the circuit; circuit breaker IDin the panel; and type of circuit, e.g., fluorescent, incandescent,etc., can also be recorded for each switch once it is placed on the map.Expanders can also be placed on the map and associated with variousswitches 108. Similar information as that described above can also beentered for each expander. The gateway can also be placed onto the mapin a similar fashion.

Certain information can also be communicated to switches 108 uponinstallation. For example, the associated room number can be input intothe switch using an IR remote control.

When creating the new site, the administrator can log onto the serverand create a site by designating a site name, a site address, adistributor, an organization, a site administrator user name andpassword, the number of switches included in the site, and whateverother information may be relevant.

A user associated with the site can then log on and access the siteinformation. Various different users can be given different accessrights such as none, view only, change alerts, change switch locationsand configuration, and full access. Typically, the site maps will beorganized in an hierarchy from the campus level to building level tofloor level, which will include the individual rooms. It should also benoted, that while the switches can be placed on the maps to show theirapproximate location, this does not affect operation since the switchesare associated with the room number and other information as describedabove.

The user can then establish rules based instructions that can beassociated with each switch 108, each switch 108 within a certain room,each switch 108 within a certain floor, each switch 108 within a certainbuilding, each switch 108 within a certain campus, or some combinationthereof. As in the examples above, these rules based instructions caninclude instructions for controlling the operation of each switch 108based on time of day, day of the week, or date; input from a motionsensor; input from a manual input associated with switch 108;temperature or other sensor input; or some combination thereof. Thisallows the user to establish very granular lighting control for anentire building or campus. The user can also establish various alertssuch as the detection of burnt-out lamps as described below.

The rules based instructions can also control various outputs of theswitches 108, such as visual and audible outputs to indicate variousstatus conditions of each switch 108. Once the rules based instructionsare downloaded and the system is up and running, the user can log ontothe server and obtain information on the status of various rooms orfloors within facility 102. Thus, maps illustrating the intelligentswitches 108 can be presented and can allow the user to click on eachswitch to see the rules based instructions associated with that switchand the activity over a certain period associated with that switch. Incertain embodiments, the costs savings that resulted from implementationof the rules based instructions can even be displayed to the user foreach room or floor.

In order to determine how much money is being saved due to conservationas a result of the rules based instructions, and, e.g., to detectburnt-out bulbs, the current flowing through each lighting circuit mustbe measured using a current sensor 224. Moreover, an initial baselinecurrent load for each intelligent switch 108 should be determined. Thiscan be done by having someone replace all burnt-out bulbs when eachswitch is installed and having switch 108 provide a current measurementfor the associated lighting circuit. This initial current measurementcan then be used as the baseline measurement and can be used, e.g., asdescribed below to detect burnt-out bulbs going forward. The currentload information can also be used to track current loads throughout abuilding or campus, e.g., in order to identify problem areas that may becandidates for conservation efforts. This can allow the user to saveeven further on his electricity bill.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example process for detectingburnt-out lamps according to one embodiment. For example, fluorescentlight fixtures contain lamps and ballasts, both of which burn outovertime. In large distributed facilities it is desirable to know thenumber of lamps, ballasts, or both that are burnt out. This allows thefacility manager to schedule maintenance more efficiently and monitorthe amount of lighting in each room. When a lamp or ballast burns out,the amount of current consumed by the lighting circuit is reduced. Thus,by monitoring the amount of current flowing through the lighting circuitin a room, the number of burnt-out lamps or ballasts can be computed. Asexplained above, a baseline current with all bulbs operational can beobtained, e.g., during site initialization. Then, in step 502, the lampwattage of a typical lamp in, e.g., a particular room, can be obtainedand stored in authority 122. For example, most lamps have thisinformation printed on them.

Next, in step 504, the amount of current reduction that will occur whenone lamp is burnt-out can be obtained by multiplying the lamp wattage bythe Ballast Efficiency Factor (BEF). That BEF is computed using thefollowing equation: (Total power and watts of all lamps connected to theballast)/(Total power and watts that the fixture consumes on a powerline). The BEF is typically the same for all fixtures with the same typeof ballast. The amount of current that will be reduced when one lamp isburnt-out is the Line Power Per Lamp (LPPL).

Next, in step 506, the amount of current going to all fixtures can bemeasured. If one lamp is burnt-out, then this number will be thebaseline minus the LPPL. If two fixtures are burnt-out, then this willbe the baseline minus 2× the LPPL.

In other embodiments, it is not necessary to obtain a baseline with allbulbs replaced. Rather, each room can be left as it is found, i.e., withsome burnt-out lamps, and a baseline can be obtained for that condition.The above steps will still be performed as described, but if the amountof current measured increases above the baseline, then the baseline issimply changed to the higher amount. In other embodiments, the systemcan be configured to memorize the load before and after a lamp isdisconnected and in this way, the LPPL can be calculated empirically. Instill another embodiment, each switch 108 can report the amount ofcurrent being consumed as the percentage of the baseline observedpreviously.

The systems and methods described herein also allow for automated loadshedding. In a metropolitan electrical distribution system, it candesirable to reduce the amount of power used when energy supplies arelow. This is called load shedding. Typically, load shedding is performedby the electrical utility calling a facility that uses a lot ofelectricity and requesting that they reduce their load. The facilitymanager can then turn off circuits manually to reduce the load. Thismanual shut-off can reduce lighting and air conditioning loads but alsoaffects the tenants. A discounted electrical rate is often associatedwith the willingness to participate in load shedding; however, thisprocess is also costly and time-consuming, and can be inconvenient ordisruptive.

In most commercial facilities, light fixtures have two or more lamps inthem with some lamps on one circuit and some lamps on a differentcircuit. This allows basic dimming, i.e., by being able to selectwhether all lamps are to be on or just a subset. In three-lamp lightfixtures, two lamps may be on one circuit and one lamp on anothercircuit, and so on. The reduction in light going from three lamps downto one lamp is a substantial reduction of illumination and usually notdesired by users in the space; however, the reduction in light fromthree lamps down to two lamps may be acceptable in times of highelectricity usage.

The systems and methods described herein can be used to allow automaticload shedding. Thus, in one embodiment, when the user is configuring thesystem he can define which of the multiple lighting circuits is to beused for load shedding. When a central computer or user wants to enableload shedding, then the predefined lighting circuits can be turned off,thereby reducing the load but maintaining the highest possible level oflighting and convenience. In another embodiment, the user defines whichcircuits are in each room, and during load shedding the system canautomatically determine which circuit has the least amount of currentgoing to it and turn that circuit off. The circuit with the fewestamount of light, i.e., one as opposed to two, will draw the least amountof current. Thus, the above approach insures load shedding and minimumimpact at the same time.

Because the reduction in illumination may not be acceptable to users inthe room, certain embodiments allow the user to manually override theload shedding and turn the light back on. In such systems, a timer maybe associated with the load shedding such that the load sheddingalgorithm is repeated some certain length of time after it is initiallyrun. Thus, while users may override the load shedding initially, theymay have exited the room after a certain period of time and the loadshedding when run again will reduce the load.

In other embodiments, the system can detect if the circuit to be shut isthe only one operational at the time. In such instances, the loadshedding algorithm may not affect that circuit since all the lights willbe off in the associated room. Similarly, certain embodiments can detecthow many lamps are burnt out on the circuit to be left on. If thecircuit to be left on has a significant number of burnt out lamps, thenthe load shedding algorithm can prevent the other circuit from beingturned off since that may result in the room becoming acceptably dark.

Besides lighting, a facility can include certain types of devices thatconsume a lot of energy. For example, video projectors are used todisplay images from a computer or DVD or other video source. The lampsused in these projectors are very expensive to replace. In campuses andcommercial buildings, these video projectors are often left on for longperiods of time while the room is unoccupied, wasting energy anddecreasing lamp life. In one embodiment, an intelligent switch 108 canbe configured to control the video power, e.g., by turning it off atnight. This can create problems in that most video projects do notfunction properly when power is removed because they need to run theircooling fans after the lamp is turned off. Thus, in certain embodiments,turning off the video projector can be accomplished by sending theprojector a shut-down message through the projector's interface ports,or if it does not have sufficient interface ports, then through aninfrared port typically used by remote control.

For example, in certain implementations a stick-on IR emitter can beused to transmit a message through the infrared port on a projector. Anexample of a stick-on IR emitter is the IRE-1.0 emitter fromSpeakerCraft having a place of business in Riverside, Calif.

Such projectors may not actually have a shut-down command but instead apower on/off command, whereby issuing the command would cause theprojector to turn off if it was on, but would cause it to turn on if itwas off. Accordingly, in certain implementations, whether the projectoris currently on is detected first. This can be done using severalmethods including measuring how much power is consumed by the projector;measuring the temperature of the exhaust port of the projector sincewhen the projector is on, it typically exhausts hot air from the coolinglamp; and measuring the light output of the projector. The device willthen transmit a message to the projector in order to turn it off if theprojector is determined to be on. This message can be eitherpre-programmed into the device, downloaded from a remote server, orlearned through a process.

One process for learning the message is as follows: Press a learn codebutton on the device, which will cause the device to listen on aninfrared receiver, or other receivers, for a message. The projector'sremote control can then be held up to the device and the power button onthe remote can be pressed, and the power button or other buttons can bepressed that will cause the remote to transmit a message to the device.The device then records the message. To confirm the correct message wasrecorded, the user can press, e.g., a local test button. The device canthen play back the memorized message to the projector, which should turnthe projector off.

If the message did not perform the desired operation, then the user canerase the message using, e.g., an erased input.

Thus, the systems and methods described herein can allow for verygranular, remote lighting control that is reliable and increaseslighting efficiency. While certain embodiments have been describedabove, it will be understood that the embodiments described are by wayof example only. Accordingly, the systems and methods described hereinshould not be limited based on the described embodiments. Rather, thesystems and methods described herein should only be limited in light ofthe claims that follow when taken in conjunction with the abovedescription and accompanying drawings.

1. A lighting control system comprising a plurality of intelligentswitches, each of the intelligent switches including: a receiverconfigured to receive communication signals that include rules basedinstructions for controlling one or more lighting circuits; a circuitinterrupter configured to control the amount of energy flowing to alighting circuit; a memory configured to store the rules basedinstructions; and a processor coupled with the receiver, memory, andcircuit interrupter, the processor configured to control the operationof the circuit interrupter based on the rules based instructions storedin memory.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the rules basedinstructions include instructions that cause the processor to change theoperation of the circuit interrupter based on the time of day.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the rules based instructions include at leastone instruction not related to the time of day.
 4. The system of claim1, wherein each of the plurality of intelligent switches furthercomprises a manual input coupled with the processor and configured toprovide signals related to the control of the lighting circuit when themanual input is activated, and wherein the processor is configured tocontrol the operation of the circuit interrupter based on the rulesbased instructions and based on the signals received from the manualinput.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured toallow the signals received from the manual input to override the rulesbased instructions.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the manual inputcauses the processor to control the circuit interrupter so as to turnall lights on the lighting circuit on or off.
 7. The system of claim 5,wherein the manual input causes the processor to control the circuitinterrupter so as to turn some lights on the lighting circuit on or off.8. The system of claim 5, wherein the manual input causes the processorto control the circuit interrupter so as to set at least some lights onthe lighting circuit to an intermediate level.
 9. The system of claim 5,wherein the manual input is associated with a preset configuration forthe lighting circuit, and wherein the processor is configured to controlthe circuit interrupter in accordance with the preset configuration whenthe manual input is activated.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein eachof the plurality of intelligent switches further comprises a motionsensor coupled with the processor and configured to provide signalsrelated to the detection of movement within a room associated with thelighting circuit, and wherein the processor is configured to control theoperation of the circuit interrupter based on the rules basedinstructions and based on the signals received from the motion sensor.11. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of intelligentswitches further comprises a real-time clock coupled with the processor,the real-time clock configured to keep track of the time of day for useby the processor in implementing the rules based instructions.
 12. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of intelligent switchesfurther comprises a current sensor coupled between the intelligentswitch and the lighting circuit and coupled with the processor, thecurrent sensor configured to sense the amount of current flowing to thelighting circuit.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein each of theplurality of intelligent switches further comprises a transmittercoupled with processor, the transmitter configured to transmit datarelated to the operation of the intelligent switch and the lightingcircuit under control of the processor.
 14. The system of claim 13,wherein the transmitted data includes data related to how much currentis flowing to the lighting circuit.
 15. The system of claim 13, whereinthe receiver and transmitter are configured to send and receive signalsvia a wireless network.
 16. The system of claim 13, wherein the receiverand transmitter are configured to send and receive signals via a mainpower circuit.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein one of the pluralityof switches includes a receiver configured to receive the rules basedinstructions from a remote server, and wherein each of the plurality ofswitches is a node on a wireless network and is configured tocommunicate with each other via the wireless network.
 18. The system ofclaim 1, wherein each of the plurality of switches is a node on awireless network and is configured to communicate with each other andwith a gateway via the wireless network.
 19. The system of claim 18,wherein the wireless network is a wireless mesh network.
 20. A lightingcontrol system, comprising: a plurality of intelligent switches, each ofthe intelligent switches including: a receiver configured to receivecommunication signals that include rules based instructions forcontrolling one or more lighting circuits, a circuit interrupterconfigured to control the amount of energy flowing to a lightingcircuit, a memory configured to store the rules based instructions, anda processor coupled with the receiver, memory, and circuit interrupter,the processor configured to control the operation of the circuitinterrupter based on the rules based instructions stored in memory; anda gateway, the gateway including: a first transceiver configured tocommunicate with a remote server in order to receive rules basedinstructions for control of a plurality of intelligent switches, and atransmitter configured to transmit the rules based instructions to theplurality of intelligent switches.
 21. The system of claim 20, whereinthe rules based instructions include instructions that cause theprocessor to change the operation of the circuit interrupter based onthe time of day.
 22. The system of claim 20, wherein the rules basedinstructions include at least one instruction not related to the time ofday.
 23. The system of claim 20, wherein each of the plurality ofintelligent switches further comprises a manual input coupled with theprocessor and configured to provide signals related to the control ofthe lighting circuit when the manual input is activated, and wherein theprocessor is configured to control the operation of the circuitinterrupter based on the rules based instructions and based on thesignals received from the manual input.
 24. The system of claim 20,wherein the processor is configured to allow the signals received fromthe manual input to override the rules based instructions.
 25. Thesystem of claim 24, wherein the manual input causes the processor tocontrol the circuit interrupter so as to turn all lights on the lightingcircuit on or off.
 26. The system of claim 24, wherein the manual inputcauses the processor to control the circuit interrupter so as to turnsome lights on the lighting circuit on or off.
 27. The system of claim24, wherein the manual input causes the processor to control the circuitinterrupter so as to set at least some lights on the lighting circuit toan intermediate level.
 28. The system of claim 24, wherein the manualinput is associated with a preset configuration for the lightingcircuit, and wherein the processor is configured to control the circuitinterrupter in accordance with the preset configuration when the manualinput is activated.
 29. The system of claim 20, wherein each of theplurality of intelligent switches further comprises a motion sensorcoupled with the processor and configured to provide signals related tothe detection of movement within a room associated with the lightingcircuit, and wherein the processor is configured to control theoperation of the circuit interrupter based on the rules basedinstructions and based on the signals received from the motion sensor.30. The system of claim 20, wherein each of the plurality of intelligentswitches further comprises a real-time clock coupled with the processor,the real-time clock configured to keep track of the time of day for useby the processor in implementing the rules based instructions.
 31. Thesystem of claim 20, wherein each of the plurality of intelligentswitches further comprises a current sensor coupled between theintelligent switch and the lighting circuit and coupled with theprocessor, the current sensor configured to sense the amount of currentflowing to the lighting circuit.
 32. The system of claim 20, whereineach of the plurality of intelligent switches further comprises a switchtransceiver comprising the receiver and a transmitter coupled with theprocessor, the transmitter configured to transmit data related to theoperation of the intelligent switch and the lighting circuit undercontrol of the processor, and wherein the gateway further comprises asecond transceiver comprising the transmitter and a receiver configuredto receive the data, the gateway configured to forward the data to theserver via the first transceiver.
 33. The system of claim 32, whereinthe transmitted data includes data related to how much current isflowing to the lighting circuit.
 34. The system of claim 32, wherein theswitch transceiver and the second transceiver are wireless transceiversconfigured to send and received data over a wireless network.
 35. Thesystem of claim 32, wherein the switch transceiver and the secondtransceiver are configured to send and receive signals via a main powercircuit.
 36. The system of claim 20, further comprising a servercomprising a user interface program configured to allow a user toconfigured a set of rules based instructions for download to theplurality of intelligent switches, and a third transceiver configured totransmit the rules based instructions configured by the user to thegateway.
 37. The system of claim 20, wherein each of the plurality ofswitches and the gateway are nodes on a wireless network and areconfigured to communicate with each other and with a gateway via thewireless network.
 38. The system of claim 37, wherein the wirelessnetwork is a wireless mesh network.